Electric motor switch



WLG. WIN-TER.

ELECTRIC MoToR Swlch.`

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 7, 1920.

Patented Beh. 14, 1922.

WWWWH UNITED s'rATEs yrzrrENT OFFICE;

WILLIAM G. .WINTER F ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

ELECTRIC MOTOR SWITCH.

Specication of Letters Patent. -Ptented Feb; 14, 1922.

vApplication. led December 7, 1920. Serial No. l1,225,896.

To all @chem it may concern:

, Be it known that I, WVILLIAM G. WINTER,

I' a vcitizenof the United States, residing at the city of St. Louis andState of Missouri, have invented a new and useful Electric .'Motor"Switch, of which the following is a specification.

'This invention relates to electric motor switches, and moreparticularly to switches operated by mechanismcont'rolled by centrifugalforce.

An object ot the invention'is to provide mechanism for operating aself-contained electric switch to open and to closed positions, saidmechanism being actuated by centrifugal force to' open the switchautomatically as an incident to the running of mechanism'. therefor(which constitute the subject-matter `of the present invention) operateto close the switch, thus placing the motor and switch in condition forfurther operation when desired.

' -to providea'switch mechanism for' controlling the power from thes'talvtingv coils so.

that when the electric motor att-ains a predetermined'spee'd the switchcontrolling the power to the. starting coils will be opened,

' eavingtlie motor inoperation by powerA passing through the main coilsonly The7 mechanism for operatingthe switch is operated -axially of thearmature shaft, as distinguished from radialv movement relative to .thearmature shaft, in order to open and to close the switch. Axial movementof t-he f switch oeratin device inpnemdirection is P g effected bycentrlfugal force'alone so that the switch will be opened as an incidentto the attainment of a predetermined speed bythe motor;andaxialmovementof the 4'switch operating device in the oppositedirection to close the switch is effected by specialactuators providedforv that purpose.

Another object ofthe invention is to ,pro-

videv'switch operating Vmechanism for'an` electric motor arrangedto moveaxially relative'to the-armature shaft under the impulse of centrifugalforce, in order to open the switch.

An additional.objectofthe invention is to y provide an electric switchof the character` mentioned of strong and durable construction whichwill withstand the wear and other forces to which it is subjected, andwhich operates quickly under control of the oper- Aating forces.

Various other` objects of the invention will appear from the followingdescription in which reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings'illustrating one embodiment ofv 70 the invention, and in which-Fig. 1 lsa sectional view of the invention 1n connection with anelectric motor, tl'ns- :section being ,on a line parallel with thearmature shaft and the switch being closed.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken transversely of' the armature shaft. A

Fig.' 3 is a sectional view similar, to Fig. `show1ng t he switchoperating mechanism 1n the position it occupies when the motor 80 isVrunning' at a predetermined speedfand when the switch is open.

-' Fig, 4 is 'a sectional view on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 isa perspective view of-a pair of 85 wedge blocks included intheinvention.

,- As before mentioned my invention is specially designed for useinconnection with Another object of the present invention is an electricmotor, andthe "invention is so shown inthe accompanying drawings. As 90shown, the electric switch and the operating mechanism therefor areenclosed by one of the'end plates l of the motor. The wiresv 2 'fromthestartingcoils are secured to bin'ding posts 3 mounted on ablock4.0i insu- 95 lation material. Power to the starting 'coils tosupplement the power passing to the main coilsl is ladmitted to themotor through the switchto which'tlre binding posts 3 .are

connected. This power to the starting coils is-admitted'to the motorto'supplement the power to the main coils when the motor is starting,and isA continued-until the motor attains a predetermined speed at`whichthe moto-r may be operatedbythe power tothe which are. vin independentconnection with the binding posts 3; and a'switch member 6 110supported. by; a rocking Suppen/7 Carried by e `brake secured to the.@Summon I block 4. The switch member' 6 is movable to yagainst a flatsurface 9 on the support 7 to hold the switch closed; and to pressagainst a flat surface 1() on the support 7l to holdthe switch open. Thespring-8 also serves to -complete -the final'movements of the switchmember 6 to closed position and to y open position the power of thespring being exerted to eiiect such inal movements of the ,switch memberin a manner that will be readily .comprehended by referenceto Figs. land .3.. A

As before mentionedV the switch member is moved to position to open theswitch by mechanism operating under control of cenr trifugalforceresulting from the attainment of a predeterminedspeed of operation bythe motor. ,The mechanism for operating the switch member'issupported'for axial movement only, as distinguished from radial movementrelative to the armature shaft of the motor. This enables'me to providea bettermechanism which is of strongercon struction than they operatingdevices which have radial movements and which is also more positive apdreliable in its operation.

An actuator for operating the mechanism which o crates the switch memberis provided. gaid actuator moves in a radial direction relative to .thearmature shaft under the impulse of centrifugal force'resulting from theoperation of the motor,"and such .radial movement of the actuator causesaxial movement of the switch' operating device' or mechanism.

As shown a disc 11 is secured to the ture core 12 by appropriate bindingelements, such as screws 13 passing through the disc and into threadedholes in the core.

Said disc is formed with a circumferential,

flange 14.- which encloses the radiallymovable parts that operate theswitch actuator axially in one direction to open the switch and 'whichserves as a stop or abutment to limit movementof s'aid radially movableparts. Y As shown, each of the radially movable parts' mentioned is inthe form of a semi-circular Weight 15, the same being formed with appropriate recesses 16 to receive thearmature` shaft and to permit theedges of -said weights to contact with each other when'the motor is notrunning and when said weights are in their idle positions. Obviously,said weights will be impelled radially when the motor is running andthis .radial movement of the weights is utilized to efect axialmovement.

of the device which opens the switch. VEach armaiaoaaaa weight isrecessed to form a wedge shaped portion 17 and to provideI a space 'forsupporting a pair of balls 18 which reduce friction and prevent adhesionof theparts to each other. The disc'11 supports a pair of wedge members19 which extendinto the recesses in the weights 15- respectively, andagainst the inclined surface of which the wedge portions 17 oftheweights and as well as the balls 18 operate when the weights areactuated radially. v

An axially movable switch operating device is provided, the samebeing inthe form of a dise or pllate 20 having a central opening to receive ebearing 21 of the armature shaft. The disc or plate 20 supports a pairofrwedge blocks 22 similar to the wedgeblocks 19 and vextending invtotherecesses in the weights 15. When the motor-is not running and thepartsare in their normal positions the outer portions of thevadjacent wedgeblocks 19and 22 contact with each other; but, when the motor is runningat speed, the weights15 aremoved radially by centrifugal force,'ca'usingthe wedge portions 17V andj the balls 18to operate against theinclinedsurfaces ofy the wedge blocks 22 and thereby move the disc orplate 2O axially in l a direction to open the switch controlling thecircuit to the starting coils, as shown'in Fig. 3. The form of thewedgeblocks 19 and'22 is clearly shown in Fig. 5 in which it Y. w i

will be seen that said wedge blocks are formed; with projections 23which may belinserted in holes in the discs 11 or 20, 'asdesiredfandthen hammered or pressed to formheads or enlargements Vwhereby the wedgeblocks will be securely heldin connection with the parts to which theyarel secured. i yThe switchmember 6 is provided with an extended arm orfinger 24 which, when the switch is closed, extends into the path ofaxial movement of the disc 20, sol that as said disc 20 moves axially itwill press against the" armor finger 24 and' thus,turn the switch member6 from closed position (shown in Figi l) to openposition (shown in Fig.3). As previously mentioned, the final movement of the switch member 6to the lposition shown in. Fig. 3 is'completed by the spring 81 so thatsaid switch member will not return to closed vposition unless positivelyactuated.

When the motor is stopped the switchv member is automatically moved fromopen position, as shown in Fig. '3, to closed position, as shown im Fig.l, and this movement of the switch member 6 is also effected by the disc20. To `enable the disc 20 to'move lthe switch 6 from open position toclosed position automatically and as an incident to stopping' of themotor,` said disc is moved axially to its initial position and duringsuch movement engages the arm or finger 25 onl ltheswitch' member 6,.thus. imparting the p initial movement of said switching member towardclosed position and permitting the spring 8 to complete thefinalmovement of said switch member toward its closed position. Y. u

VFor moving the parts from the-position shown in Fig. 3 to the positionvshown in 'Fig 1, automatically and as an incident to stopping of themotor, special actuators are provided. As shown, said actuators are inthe form Aof -retractile Asprings 26 having.

their inner ends connected to stationary parts 27 and their outer endsconnected to the disc 20. For 'holding the disc 20 in proper positionrelative to the'other Iparts land for guiding said disc in its axialmovement, I have provided tubes 2.8, extending inwardly from the disc 2Oparallel with' i -thev armature shaft and operating within tubularguides 29 carried by the-,armature core and extending in appropriatelyformed notches or 'recesses at the. contacting edges of theweights'l.This .construction leaves the weights 1 5 free for radialmovement and'freedpm and ease'of operation of the switch,

invention4 serves all of its intended purposes and functions in a highlyelicient and'sa'tisfactory manner. Theparts are of simple and strongconstruction and are Ifree from manufacturing" diiiiculty.' .The deviceis .easily assembled in connection with a motor and when once assembledit is practically impossible for any of the parts to work outof'position' or tobecome dislocated.'`

Obviously,- the construction and arrangement ofathe, parts ma'ylbewidely varied' without departure from u the principle and nature of theinvention. I `do not restrict myself to the precise form and arrangementshown, nor to `unessential features and de- A tails of construction, butwhat I claim and i so desireto secure by'Letters Patent, is

v1.l In an electric motor switch, the combination of astationarysupport', a switch carried by the stationary Support andmovable to open and fclosed positions to turn power o' and on, anactuator-:for the switch movable axially relative to the armature of themotor to operate said switch to openand closed positions, 'a number ofradially-'movable parts supported by the* actuator -for radial' movementunder the impulse of vcentrifugal force, members supported by thearmature for imparting axial movement to said radially 'movableparts,and elements 'engagedby said' radially movable parts for moving saidactuator in afdire'ction to open the switch. u. v

2. In an electric 'motor switch, the` combination of atstationarysupport, a.' switch carried bythe .stationary support and mov-V able toopen and closed positions to turn power off and on, an actuato'r for theswitch movabie axially'relative to the armature of the motor to operatesaid switch to open and to closed positions, Va number of radiallymovable pa-r'tss'upported by the actuator for .radial movement under theimpulse of centrifugal force, members supported by the .armature forimparting axial movement to said radially movablefparts, elementsengaged by said radially movable parts 'for moving said actuator in adirection to open the switch, and devices for moving said ac tuatoraxially in the opposite direction to close the switch as an incident tothe stop- Pin'g 0f themotor 3.*Iirv ii elec ric'motor switch, the'combination ofa'switch controlling the admission of power to .thestarting coils of the motor,-radial1y movable elements supported inconnection with the armature of the motor arranged to be moved radiallyunder the in- '.fluence of centrifugal force resulting from rotation ofthe armature, an actuator for the Switch movable axially toward and awayfrom the armature, means whereby said aetuato will be moved axiallyawa-y from the armature to ope-n the switch by the radial movement ofsaid elements as an incident to the running of the motor atapredetermined speed, and supports guiding said ac- ,tuator in its axialmovements.

. 4. In an electric motor switch, the combination of a'switchcontrolling theI admisvsion of power to the starting coils of the imotor, radially movable elements supported in connection with thearmature ofthe mo- 'tor'arranged'tobe moved radially under the influenceofcentrifugal force resulting from rotation of the armature, an actuatorfor the switch? movable axially toward and away,

from theI armature, means whereby said actuator will be moved axiallyaway from the armature to open the switch by radial movement of saidelements as an incident to the running of the unotor at a predeterminedspeed, supports guiding said actuator in its axial movements, andspecial actuators operating. to move said first-named actuator devicefor preventing accidental movement of the` switch from one position toanother,

'an actuator for the switchV movable axially relative to the armature ofthe, motor to operate said switch to openand to closed positions,'asupport for said actuator, means supported by the armature and arrangedto move radially under the impulse of centrifugal force for moving saidactuator axv ially, and elements whereby radial moveand to closedpositions toturn the power to the starting coils ofthe-motor off and on,a device for preventing accidental movement of .the switch from onevposition to another, an actuator for the switch movableaxiallyirelative to'the armature of the motor to operate said switch to open andto closed. positions, alisupport for said actuator, means supported bythe motor. and arranged tov movefradially under the impulse of-centrifugal force formoving said actuator axially, elements wherebyradial movement of said means. to move said' actuator axially in onedirection will cause said actuator to move the switch to open position,and de`- vices for' moving said actuator axially in the oppositedirection to close thev switch as an incident to stopping of the motor.

7. In an electric motor switch, the combination of a switch controllingthe admission of power to the starting coils of the motor,radiallyImovable elements, means for supporting `said elements in anarrangement whereby they will be moved radially under the influence ofcentrifugal force'resultin'g from the rotation of the armature, anactuator for the switch movableaxiallytoward and away from the armature,and' means whereby said'actuator will be moved axiallyv away from thearmature to open the-switch by the radial movement of said elementsgasan incident to the running of the motor at a predetermined speed. v

8. In an electric motor switch, the combination of a switch controllingtheadmission of power.` to the starting coils of the motor, radiallymoyable elements, mea'ns for supporting said elements in an arrangementwhereby they will be moved radially vunder the influence of centrifugalforce resulting from the rotationof the armature, an actuator for theswitch movable axially toward and away Jfrom the armature, means wherebysaid actuator will be moved axially away from the armature to open theswitch by the v radial movement of said elements Aas an incident to therunning of the motor at a predetermined speed, and afdevice cooperatingwith the switch to prevent accidental movement thereof from one`positionto another.

9. In an electric motorswitch, the combination of a switch controllingthe admission of power to the starting coils of the motor, radiallymovable elements, means for supporting said elements in an arrangement wereby they will be moved-radially under the influence of centrifugalforce resulting from a the rotation of the armature, an actuator for vneoaesa the lswitch movable axially toward and away from the armature,means whereby said actuator will be moved axially away fromthe armatureto open the switch by the radial movement of said elements as anincident to the running of the motorat a predetermined speed,'and meansguiding the actuator inits i axial movements and preventing displace--ment of the actuator. v10. In an electric motor switch, the comblnationof a support, a switch pivoted on thesupport controlling the admissionof power to the starting coils of the motor, an actuatorfor the switchmovable axially toward s and away from the armature and arranged to openthe switch during movement away fromthe armature and to close the switchduring movement toward the armature, ra`

armature.

11. In an electric motor switch, the coniblnation of a support, a switchpivoted on the and away from the annature and arranged lsupportcontrolling the admission of power yto -thestarting-coils of the motor,an act'u-A ator for the switch movable axially toward to o pen theswitch 'during movement away-,f

I from the armatureand to close the switch during themovement toward thearmature, radially movable elements in conneton with the armaturearrangedrto 'be moved radially under the-influence of centrifugal forceresultinglfrom 'rotation of the armature to cause' said actuator to openthe switch, a.

'deviceiorreventin accidental operation of the switcli, guides iler saidactuator hold- .ing thefsame in proper relation to the armature, andsprings operating to move said actuator axially toward `'the armature toclose the switchv as an incident to stopping Lofthe motor. y

12. 'In an electricmotor switch, the combination of'a switch controllingthe admission of power to the startingcoilsl of the motor, an actuatorfor-the switch movable Y axially.. towardV and away from the armature,connections for holding` Athe actuator` in connection with th`e-armatureandy guiding the'actuator in its movements toward and away .from thearmature, centrifugal ele- `ments arranged tov be operated centrifu-Y.

gally under the. influence of force resulting from the rotation of thearmature arranged to move said actuatorv in one direction', and

springs formoving the actuatorin the' opporsite directlon i i 13. Inan'y electric motor switch, the'com- `b1nation ,of an electricswitch'controlling 90 holding thel same in proper relation to the theadmission of power to the startingcoils of the motor,-of a disc2connections supporting the disc in connection with the armature andguiding the disc in movements toward ,and away from the armature.,radially mov-` able elements operating to move the disc axially awayfrom the armature as an incident to the running of the motor at apredetermined speed, springs for moving the disc axially in onedirection as an incident to stopping of the motor, and means whereby thedisc will operate said switch when said disc is moved axially asaforesaid.

14. In an electric motor switch, the c0mbination of a pivoted switchcontrolling the admission of power to the starting coils of the motor,arms on said switch, a disc, guides supporting the disc for axialmovements relative to the motor and for rotation with the motor,centrifugal members for moving said disc in one direction intoengagement with one of said arms on theA switch to open the switch, andsprings for noving said disc in the opposite direction to engage anotherof said arms to close the switch.

l5. In an electric motor switch, the combination of a ivoted switchcontrolling the admission op power to the starting coils of the motor,arms on said switch, a disc, guides supporting the disc for axialmovements relative to the motor and for rotation with the motor,centrifugal members for moving said disc in one direction intoengagement with one of said arms 0n the switch to open the switch,springs for moving ,said disc in the opposite direction to engageanother ofsaid arms to close the switch, and a device cooperatingwith'said switch to prevent accidental operation thereof.

WILLIAM G. lWINTER.

